If you feel the traffic and pesky neighbours closing in this summer, you don't have too far to drive to get away. Here are 10 of our favourite release valves - all within two hours of the Big Smoke.

FROM AUCKLAND
Where: Tairua, Coromandel
How: Take the Southern Motorway and exit on SH2 at the Coromandel/Tauranga turnoff, left again at SH25, and right at Kopu junction before a sharp left on SH25a.
Why: Stunning scenery, great walks to the summit of Paku Hill, safe beaches, an excellent cafe and all this without the crazy crowds that invade Pauanui just a short ferry ride away.
Where to stay: For views and price, we recommend searching for a traditional Kiwi bach. See www.bookabach.co.nz and search for Tairua for several options in the area. Many great deals can be had, especially if you're taking a group of six to eight people.

Where: Pakiri Beach, Rodney
How: Take the Northern Motorway north to Warkworth, turn right and follow the signs to the coast.
Why: A 9km safe surf beach where you can always find a quiet spot to roll out the towel. For the more adventurous there's a slew of activities as well, including surfing and horse riding, and when you're hungry, head back to Leigh for refreshments - and more - at the legendary Sawmill Cafe and Bar.
Where to stay: Pakiri Beach Holiday Park - for bookings and info, visit www.pakiriholidaypark.co.nz or phone (09) 422 6199.
Basic cabins start from $25 per adult and $12 per child.

Where: Kawau Island, Hauraki Gulf
How: Either drive north to the ferry at Sandspit, east of Warkworth, or amble downtown and catch 360 Discovery's summer ferry running from Pier 4 on Auckland's waterfront from Boxing Day to January 13. Return fares: Adults $79 and children $29. Visit www.360discovery.co.nz.
Why: No cars, no crowds. Just you, more birds than you've seen - or heard - in your life and stunning scenery, plus endless bush walks leading to Maori pas, old copper mines and historic hotspots.
Where to stay: The waterfront Coppercabanas Cedar Lodge has a two-person $189 weekend special. Visit www.coppercabanas.co.nz.

FROM WELLINGTON
Where: Martinborough, Wairarapa
How: Just 75 minutes from Wellington along SH2 to Featherston, then on the SH53 to the heart of Martinborough.
Why: A quaint village atmosphere with friendly locals and more vineyards and wine tours than you could cope with in a week. Time your visit for the fair on February 2 and you'll see what we mean.
Where to stay: Try The General Store, a cute little refurbished two-bedroom cottage 3km out of town. Visit www.providorefood.co.nz or phone (06) 306 8811.

Where: Waikawa Bay, Marlborough
How: Take a fast ferry to Picton, with or without your car because it's only five minutes from the terminal.
Why: The rest of the ferry passengers will bolt south, but the truth is they'll struggle to top the scenery here, or the diverse range of activities.
Where to stay: Apartments On The Waterfront - the name says it all. Visit www.apartmentsonthewaterfront.co.nz or phone (03) 573 5220.

FROM DUNEDIN
Where: Curio Bay, Catlins
How: Drive south on SH1 to Balclutha, then left on to Catlins scenic road for a stunning two-hour journey.
Why: If you can pull yourself away from the breathtaking beaches with dolphins, seals and penguins playing metres away, you also have a Jurassic Park of forest trails and vistas, with hardly a soul around.
Where to stay: For a birds-eye view of the dolphins try The Penguin Nest Cottage. Visit www.holidayhouses.co.nz/. Rates start at $120.

Where: Karitane, North Otago
How: An easy 45 minute drive north on SH1.
Why: Everything you need for a relaxing weekend without a numbing drive - beautiful deserted beaches, bush walks, great kayaking spots and fishing fans are guaranteed to come home with dinner.
Where to stay: Try the Karitane Beach House, a lovely three-bedroom cottage just minutes from the beach. Visit www.holidayhouses.co.nz/. Rates start at $100 per night for a two night minimum.

FROM CHRISTCHURCH
Where: Akaroa, Banks Peninsula
How: A leisurely 90-minute drive along the scenic SH75 south-east of Christchurch.
Why: You'll fall in love with the French flair of this historic settlement, and after a wine or two you'll feel like you really are a lot further from home.
Where to stay: Kokopu Cottage, a cute two-bedroom estate with a private stream and outdoor bath. Rates start at $170 in peak season. Visit www.akaroa-holidays.co.nz or phone (03) 304 7427.

Where: Hanmer Springs
How: An easy 90-minute drive north.
Why: Whether you just want to relax in the world-renowned thermal pools, or get a little more active along the many hiking and mountain-bike trails, this alpine playground has you covered.
Where to stay: We found a fully furnished three-bedroom semi-rural holiday home for just $95 per night. Visit www.takeabreak.co.nz and search for Hanmer Springs.

Where: Kaikoura, North Canterbury
How: A two-hour drive north on SH1.
Why: Whales, dolphins, stunning mountain scenery, great beach, friendly locals...we could go on but you only have a weekend.
Where to stay: Seafood lovers should try the Fyffe Country Lodge, luxury B&B digs located a kilometre south of town on SH1. See www.fyffecountrylodge.com or phone (03) 319 6869.

TOP MUST-DOS FOR KIWIS
1. Mitre Peak and Milford Sound
2. Doubtful Sound
3. Bay of Islands
4. Fiordland National Park
5. Abel Tasman National Park
6. Aoraki Mount Cook
7. Coastal Kaikoura
8. Hanmer Springs
9. Camping
10. Tutukaka/The Poor Knights

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